Another brilliant story by Toni - I can never put these down until I have finished

Roll on the next installment

Thanks for letting me read this in advance

Talk about a slow burn!  Delayed Call delivers once again with a heart wrenching and heartwarming tale of another one of our beloved Assassins players falling head over hockey skates for the perfect woman for him.  I loved the dynamic between Vaughn and Brie.  Their love/hate relationship was full of so much tension and passion you were instantly sucked in and waiting on the edge of your seat to see who would break first.  This book is the epitome of witty banter at its best and I loved every second.  The dialog was so engaging and real and the love scenes were flaming hot!  So many authors try to write these types of almost quirky characters and it fails because it just doesn't come off as realistic.  This is NOT the case here.  Vaughn and Brie create their own adorable and somewhat quirky relationship that not only comes off as real but completely adorable and like no other I have read.  Toni Aleo's books are almost always over 400 pages and I still hold strong after each one that the only thing that I disliked is that sometimes I feel that we could have cut about 50 pages of over-information or inner dialogue and still had the same awesome story but not quite so drawn out at times.  Overall though, another wonderful addition to the series and book by Ms. Aleo!

Delayed Call ( Assassins #11)

This one started off real funny. Vaughn is a hockey player for the Assassins and Brie is the Assassins reporter. They have a total hate relationship for each other. The banter between them is so funny. They both have the wrong impression of each other and both thinks the other is an entitled asshole.  
Even though you know Brie and Vaughn are gonna hook up. It takes them forever of fighting their attraction to finally do something about it. But when they do, it's hot and sexy and it's too much emotion for Vaughn so he pushes her away. 
Their back and forth relationship is so frustrating. But it's part of what makes you keep reading. 
And the asshole stuff that Vaughn pulls really makes you hate him at times. But the fights between them are pretty honest and I love Brie's fiery attitude and how she stands up for herself. 
 
  " You don't want to be in a relationship?"

"No."
    
 "But you yearn for me? Need me? Want me? All that other jazz?"

" I do."

"Are you fucking kidding me?"

" No I meant everything I said."

"But you don't want more than to fucking fuck me? Is that all that I am, a fucking fuck? You like me enough to fuck me, and spit some good game, but I'm not good enough to have a relationship with."

I absolutely love how Brie takes care of her younger brother with Down Syndrome. And how that bring Brie and Vaughn closer together. 
Vaughn has a couple of different sides to him. He can be a cocky jackass, super sexy and sweet, and the fun loving friend. You just never know what your gonna get. 

This was such a crazy cute romance. I loved it from beginning to end. And throughout the story the author teased us with hopefully her next story. And I can't wait for that one to come out.

Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I'm writing this review on behalf of a Netgally publisher and the amazing author Toni Aleo.

Vaughn (JoHo) and Brie start this book out at each other's throats. He's the star of the National Assassins Hockey team. She's the staff reporter that can't seem to get a good interview from him no matter how many times he's thrown into her path. 

They say you should assume anything about a person because if you discover the truth you might not like who you see when you look take a look at yourself.

Vaughan is not just a hockey player but, because he chooses to keep his promise to his brother he hides the best parts of himself private. Brie's entire world is nothing but worry but she does her best. He mom past away two years ago leaving her with medical debts and two care for and make good choices for her brother Rodney with Down Syndrome. Rod wants to leave the old folks home he's in and be with people his own age. Brie would love to give him everything but she just doesn't make the money for more than were he's at. 

Miracles happen in life and sometimes you have to choose to take a leap of faith. When Brie's brother is offered his chance to be happy she has to decide if she willing to trust Vaughan or break her brothers heart. Vaughan and Brie are both a hot mess when it comes to communicating but what happened on New Year's Eve is not only HOT HOT HOT but also the start of something so powerful neither is totally sure how to take the next step.

Can these two make it work? Can she let go and trust others? Can he risk his heart? Can he make see he's isn't the bad guy? 

I really enjoyed this book and it kept me engrossed throughout. I really loved the characters and the way they interacted with each other. The love and hate back and forth had me laughing over and over. This is a fun, hot, romantic must read book and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. It'll also show a loving side that's written so well you fell like since you've gone on this Assassins journey that your part of the hockey fan club and each book will have so invested in each story and loving that you get to see old friends and hoping you'll be welcome as the team grows and changes. 

Easily a five star read but for me it should be so much more.

Written in Dual POV my personal favorite and no cliffhanger. Toni Aleo wrote another amazingly book so this reviewer will be sitting patiently waiting for her next hockey WIN 💕📚⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐📚💕 CONGRATS 

This book is absolutely amazing and Id like to not only apologize to Netgally but also to author Toni Aleo for be a day late with my review. I sat down to read Delayed Call to my horror discovered I hadn't purchased and read Face Off At The Alter. So after calming down I purchased Markus and Mekena's story and I had to read them in order. Thank you for writing it's always fun to be invited to these Hockey Game!!!📚💕

I have not read a bad book in this series. I have my favorites (Jordie and Benji…well and Shea…), but honestly, Toni Aleo just does not put out a bad story. Delayed Call is no exception. However, fans of the series may notice some difference with this one. I was blown away by the dialogue. Wonderful banter and humor not only between Vaughn and Brie but between Vaughn and his “family” and between Brie and Rod. Just a great flow to the story and a very entertaining read. It just had a little something MORE than I have read in the other books. 

We have seen Vaughn and Brie on the sidelines in other books. Brie works for the Assassins in the marketing department and often interviews the players. It’s a classic tale of she doth protest too much! There is underlying heat to their banter. Both have hidden pasts that have shaped their view on relationships. Trust will be difficult. Vaughn needs to decide if he is all in before it's too late to call. 

The other highlight of the book is how the author handles persons with disabilities. There is a beautiful side story to the HEA in this book. I was not prepared for the depth and breadth of understanding of adults with disabilities that this author brings to the story. The romance ends up being pretty run of the mill, but it is all the EXTRA that the author gives us that makes this story priceless. NateWay is truly remarkable and I have spoken about it to numerous people since I finished the story. 

And of course, the best part of an Assassin’s story is we get HOCKEY! This is a true sports romance in that we get to see the action. I found myself having to slow down and re-read so I would make sure to get the whole picture on the ice. Great tribute to the game. 

Always ready to read more by this author.

Delayed Call is a very poignant, touching and memorable read. On the outside Vaughn was such an arrogant, cocky stereotypical athlete. I really didn't like his attitude but let's just say that's really surface. When you turn the pages and learn more about what makes him tick you can't help but fall in love and root for him every step of the way. Bri was the perfect heroine for Vaughn. She's feisty, sassy and gave back as good as she gets. Their back and forth was pretty hot, sometimes I think there was a little too much snark. Once they give in it was very sweet, sometimes you can't help but get a little emotional where certain things cone into play but that's where we get to really see the true heart of Vaughn Johanssen.

Happy Dance

WOW, Ms. Aleo keeps bringing the HEAT with her hockey boys. Way to bring to life such awesome characters in ways you don't expect. 

***given an ARC in exchange for honest review***

thing that grabbed me about this book was the cover, very sexy very passionate just like the story. 
Vaughan and Brie and two people who take an instant dislike to each other but undrneath all that hate is a fiery passion. I really enjoyed this story there is nothing quite like a push and pull romance to get me interested, but they are both wary of getting involved. I laughed at times because the banter between them was hilarious, I loved the main characters Vaughan is the sweetest man even if at times he speaks without thinking and he has an adorable puppy. Brie was one of those characters who's a tough cookie on the outside but inside she's just a vunerable woman looking for love.
A really enjoyable read that kep

What I love best about this hockey series is that you don't have to start with book 1 to understand any of the others in the series.  I've only read book 8 and 11 and I've had no issues following along with the story.  I know that can be a huge draw for people who don't like series.  It doesn't mean I won't be going back at some point to read the earlier books, because I find that I am a fan of Toni Aleo's writing.  

Overall, I really enjoyed this book.  It's a love/hate trope that had positives and negatives to it.  I didn't really enjoy their fighting when they were in the hate stage but once it moved to the love stage, they had really good banter.  I'm a sucker for good banter between a couple.  

They made a great couple but they both have huge issues to get over.  This book leads you on the path of them helping each other get past these issues.  It isn't always pretty, but life isn't always pretty.  When we got the sweet moments, they were really sweet.  There was also some really great funny moments that just made me laugh with how goofy these two were together.  

ARC provided by NetGalley.

LOVED everything about this book it is a perfect addition to the assassins family. I also liked the look/updates that you get from some of the other characters in the books.

Easily one of my top 5 books from Toni. Loved the banter between Vaughan and Brie so fun and and spot on. Love the way their backgrounds are similar and the way their histories are written.. 

The only reason this didn't get 5 stars was because of the ending.. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone but such a cliche ending that it lost it for me.

For me this series has lost some its sparkle in recent books, the decline probably began with Jordy's book. I was hoping this would pick it up, not really. 

I particularly liked him.  He had a cuteness about him, and I liked his interaction with Shea and Ellie.  I felt the extended story around her brother was interesting and well done. . I liked it a lot.

However, I thought her focus on someone agreeing that they loved her within such a short time just didn't fit with the rest of her persona and tbh it was idiotic. Let the guy fall for you, give him a chance FFS! Esp as he explained his view, it just felt manufactured for the story.  Fine if you've been together a year or so, but a few weeks?! Odd.

The extra characters all felt quite new and the dialogue was just a bit odd. All a bit weirdly cliquey. It was hard to get into. 

However as most of the characters are new it's easily a stand alone book.

I can hardly believe we are at book number 11 in this series. I have followed and loved this series from the beginning. In this book we get Vaughn, cocky hockey player, and Brie's, sideline reporter for the team, story. They have rubbed each other wrong from the beginning and currently hate each other. Or do they? It seems to be covering up an immense mutual attraction. There were times in this book that I wanted to smack them both. But they finally got it together by the end. I loved the story line with her brother and how it brought Vaughn and Brie together. There was such a different side to Vaughn than just the player that he tried to be. 
To be perfectly honest, it was a really good Assassins book, but won't replace the very first one as my favorite. I didn't feel the emotional connection to these characters like I did with the early books. 
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

Brie is a reporter for the Assassins hockey team. She loves her job, except for the one little nuisance hockey player who consistently ruins her interviews.

Vaughn is a star player for the Assassins, he loves his team, his friends, and his newly adopted dog. While he and Brie don't get along, they have something big in common that may change their view on one another.

I loved the back and forth between Brie and Vaughn in the beginning, they don't let one another get away with anything and it is very amusing. 

Since this was the first book in the series I have read, I feel I would have more of an appreciation for all of the supporting characters if I was invested in the series previously. I liked the characters, although their conversations and nicknames came off as more of juvenile characters than how grown adults speak. While funny, the conversations tended to seem unrealistic as a result.

I absolutely loved Brie's brother and the entire storyline surrounding him. Very well done and a wonderful focus to have.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.

4 Stars
If you want to read hot, smart hockey Romance books, You need to read Toni Aleo. She has brought complex people together, the setting of an A-One top team and then adds all the steam, romance and heart the readers wish for. 
SCORE!
This latest entry is no different. Love the series.

4.5 Stars!!  I love the cover!!  

Hockey romances are my favorite sport romances to read.  Toni Aleo's Delayed Call is the eleventh book in the Assassins series.  I haven't read all of the books in the series, but I have to say this was a trip!  I love second chance stories, friends to lovers, but enemies to lovers is by far one of my favorite.   You can feel so much sexual tension between the characters that it has you on edge.  This is Vaughn and Brie's story of hate, lust and love.

Vaughn is a cocky outspoken hockey star for the Assassins and Brie is the sports reporter who Vaughn loves to antagonize.  Omg these two are constantly bickering and throwing insults...hilarious.  She thinks he's an arrogant jerk and he thinks she's a snooty brat.  However, both are in for the shock of their lives when all this sparring starts to set of tingling fireworks between them.  

I loved everything about this story.  Both have such depth to them that you fall for both characters.  Neither has a horrible background, yet they both have some heartbreaking histories.  When they both start to see the real person the other truly is, there's no stopping them.  

I enjoyed both characters so much.  Vaughn was a jerk, but deep down he had a heart of gold.  Brie was such a strong woman, I wanted to be friends with her.  She powered through so much as did Vaughn.  These two had so much in common and were a perfect match!  I do have to say that I did a little teary eyed a few times.  

The secondary characters add some fun flair to the story and I'm excited to read their stories!  This was fun, sexy and hilarious.  The sexual tension that Toni writes just poured off the pages with these two.  You'll laugh, swoon and will have smile on your face when you get done...great chemistry, great read!  I recommend this book to anyone!

From the opening chapter when Vaughn Johansson adopts a little three legged dog and names it Tricksie, I knew I was going to love this book. Vaughn is a pretty nice guy except for his behavior with sports reporter Brie Soledad. With her he is a prickly old bear and the tow seem to have no ability to be civil to each other. They are attracted to each other but fighting it all the way. 
Brianna has a brother with Down Syndrome who also has cardiac issues. When he gets a wonderful opportunity to live in a community setting, Brie has a hard time letting him go. Finding out who the owner of the residence doesn't make it any easier.
Vaughn has lived his life as a seemingly free spirit with no worries in the world. In reality, he lost his brother and has made it his mission to create living environments for people with special needs that are as non-institutional as he can build them. 
I loved the interplay between Vaughn and Brie, both the smack talk and the love talk. They have it bad for each other but their previous relationships keep messing things up and they can't seem to get past their own insecurities. When they do however, they burn up the pages!
The relationships of the secondary characters add so much to the book and one couple seems to be the set up for a future story. There is so much snarky humor in this book from the players and the various couples. It was a great read! I hated having it end.

4.5 Stars!

Over the past couple of years, sports romances have become increasingly popular. I have been fortunate to have read quite a few good ones, and Delayed Call by Toni Aleo is a book that I won't soon forget.  An enemies to lovers romance intertwined with the sportsmanship of hockey, is a combustible combination. This is the eleventh book from the author's Assassins series, and it can be enjoyed as a standalone.

Vaughn Johansson is a superstar hockey player. He is best know for his talent on the ice, in addition to his womanizing ways. His ex-girlfriend's shiftiness resulted in his commitment free lifestyle, while his younger brother's Down's Syndrome and subsequent death, pushed him to share his good fortune with those in need.  Vaughn is a good and generous person, albeit very cocky and arrogant.

Brie Soledad loves her job as the staff reporter for the Nashville Assassins. All the players and staff respect her, and in return, she reports from the heart. Brie recently lost her mother to cancer, and is still paying on the medical bills. Brie's adult brother has Down's Syndrome, and she is responsible for his round-the-clock care. Brie has a lot on her plate, and her beloved brother is her first priority.

The Assassins is what eventually brings Vaughn and Brie together romantically, however, Vaughn's baggage may end it before it even begins. They are a hot couple both in and out of the bedroom, and their sexy times are beyond steamy. Their banter is comical, clever, and sometimes hurtful, which only makes them more genuine.  The secondary characters are quite interesting, and I look forward to reading more about them.  Hopefully, Vaughn's best friends will get their own book.  Overall, this is a solid read.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

This was such an enjoyable, engaging and entertaining story. I was literally hooked from start to finish. Both main characters were really fabulous, I loved their banter and sparring. Which from the start made it clear when they finally got together it was going to be hot and it really was. I  also thought their relationship was very believable and natural and I would totally recommend this story to others.

Toni Aleo is one of my favorite authors of all time and she did not disappoint. Vaughan and Bri have such an amazing chemistry that flys off the pages. I can't wait for #12!